(Last Updated On: February 13, 2023)

view of the lake at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park is a 4,000 acre public recreational area nestled along Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains about 50 miles east of Spokane, Washington. This popular Idaho state park features miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus a radio-controlled airplane field, ziplining, disc golf, fishing, picnic areas, a Museum, and a large campground.

This picturesque area was once home to the Farragut Naval Training Station, named for David Farragut, the first admiral in the US Navy. During World War II, this naval training center was the second largest in the world. Today the Museum at the Brig (open seasonally) features memorabilia from that time period for guests interested in learning more.

Activities

Spend a few nights inside this peaceful state park and take advantage of the many day activities provided. In addition to hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and boating, you may also enjoy picnicking while taking in the spectacular views of Bernard Peak.

Don’t forget to leave time to check out the Visitor Center. Their gift shop carries souvenirs, Disc Golf supplies, horseshoe rentals, and much more. While you’re here, ask about the Jr Ranger Program and the Experience Idaho Loaner Backpack program. These special backpacks are equipped with binoculars, magnifiers, guides and more to educate and entertain.

And if you happen to visit during the winter, you may get an opportunity to sled, snow shoe, and ski.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Farragut State Park:

Museum at Farragut State Park

A visit to Farragut State Park would not be complete without a stop by the Museum at the Brig, open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

This Museum showcases the largest collection of US Farragut Naval Training Station memorabilia. The museum is dedicated to the 293,381 sailors that trained here. Artwork on the Farragut Memorial Plaza, next to the museum, represents these heroic men. This artwork is affectionately referred to as “Mack.”

Visitors may enjoy viewing historical films, displays, and exhibits that date between 1942 and 1946. Also featured, in the courtyard area, are 2 restored vehicles – a 1938 Ford truck and a 1942 Pirsch open cab fire engine – that were used here during the mid 1940s.

monument at Farragut State Park

Boating at Farragut State Park

Spend a memorable day boating on the largest lake in Idaho. Access to the lake is provided at Eagle Boat Launch, along the south end of Lake Pend Oreille.

Kayak, canoe, and other boat rentals may be found nearby, outside of the park.

Swimming at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park’s horseshoe shaped sandy beach is a popular spot during the summer. And it’s one of the only places along the lake where the water is warm enough to swim in.

Hiking at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park has more than 40 miles of trails ideal for hiking. These trails extend through the thick forest along the lake and the surrounding mountains offering visitors spectacular views all around.

Here are a couple of the trails at Farragut State Park:

  • Willow Lakeview – This easy 1 mile trail winds along Lake Pend Oreille. Hikers will find many places to sit along this path so that they may enjoy the view of the lake, wildlife, and the surrounding mountains.
  • Farragut Outer Loop – A moderate 12.4 mile loop of several connecting trails. This pathway begins at the Visitor Center, winds along Button Hook Bay, and then follows the Shoreline Trail out to Idlewilde Bay.

hiking trail through the woods at Farragut State Park

Biking at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park’s 40 miles of trails are also open for mountain bikers. Along these trails guests may enjoy taking easy pathways with lake views, such as the 2.2 mile Extended Squirrel Cache Trail, or more strenuous ones, such as Bernard Peak Loop, a 14 mile difficult ride uphill.

Horseback Riding at Farragut State Park

More than 20 miles of trails are available for horseback riding inside Farragut State Park. One trail, the Buggy Trail offers a 10 mile double track loop. Trail access, equestrian campsites, parking, hi-lines, corrals, hitching, and water are located in the Corral Equestrian area. Horses are not permitted south of Highway 54.

Tree to Tree Adventure Park at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park proudly offers ziplines, Tarzan swings, nets, and other challenging adventures through their Tree to Tree Adventure Park. Guests age 6 and above will enjoy sailing over the trees and testing their strength and endurance.

The Adult Course includes 3-4 adventure courses and the Kids course offers 2. Children over the age of 10 may experience the adult course as long as they are tall enough to reach 5’ 11” (measured from the ground to the tips of their fingers while their arms are raised above their head).

Disc Golf at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park features five 18-hole disc golf courses! Their Disc Golf Complex offers a course for everyone from beginner on up. And the Farragut Gift Shop carries a large variety of discs.

Fishing at Farragut State Park

Don’t forget to pack your fishing gear. Lake Pend Oreille is an excellent spot to catch bass, whitefish, crappie, lake trout, perch, kokanee, and rainbow trout. Also, don’t forget to pick up an Idaho Fishing License ahead of time.

fishing dock on the lake at Farragut State Park

Birding at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park is a wonderful place to bird watch. Here you may see hummingbirds, hawks, ducks, woodpeckers, owls and possibly the state bird, the Mountain Bluebird. Before heading to the park grab your binoculars and check out The Idaho Birding Trail online to print a map and bird list.

Nature and Wildlife at Farragut State Park

Discover white tailed deer, squirrels, and many bird species as you explore the trails surrounding the park. You may even see a black bear, bobcat, or coyote wandering through the fir and pine forest. Mountain goats live along Bernard Peak and are often spotted by guests picnicking at the Willow Day Use Area.

Check in with the rangers to learn more about the friendly and aggressive animals that may wander through the park and best safety practices if you encounter one.

Pets at Farragut State Park

Pets are allowed at Farragut State Park as long as they are supervised and kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed at Beaver Bay Beach.

Camping at Farragut State Park

Planning to spend a few nights in the area? Farragut State Park has a large family campground, camping cabins, equestrian campsites, and group camping areas for guests to reserve.

The main campground area has 48 full hookup campsites with water, electric, and sewer plus 156 water and electric sites, 61 basic campsites, and 7 ADA campsites. Six equestrian campsites, 10 camping cabins, and 6 group camping areas are scattered throughout the park.

Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Restrooms and showers are within walking distance of all sites.

Park Location

Farragut State Park
13550 ID-54
Athol, ID 83801
Phone: 208.683.2425

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Farragut State Park: